The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-09-06
THE GERMAN CATHOLICS.
A Violent Attack Upon the Knights Of Labor
The Use of the German Language.

CHICAGO, Sept. 5-The first business session
of the German Roman Catholic Central Union
of America was opened this morning in st
Michael's Hall with prayer by the Rev Dr.. VIM.
Tappert, OF Covngton. KY, who is by long odds
the leading spirit in the gathering. There were
about 300 delegates present, and all the available
room the main floor and In the gallery was
occupied by people who ca me to witness the pro-
ceedings. President Spannhorst. of Detroit, made
an address of greeting to the delegates. He
claimed that the attitude of the Ger
Catholics toward other nationali-
ties had been misrepresented, and false
reports circulated. In his opinion the German
Catholics recognized no distinction of nationali-
ties. No national questions I'D In
their meetings On the questions at issue be-
tween the Irish and the German Catholics. the
church alone had authority to decide. He asked
the delegates to no hard expressions against
other nationalities. The Germans in America
were obliged to preserve the German laneu age
in their schools. On account of that they had
been reproached with trying to Germanize
America. That charge unjust.
The Germans were true followers of
the church, and understood its teachings.
Charges of that kind should be treated with con-
tempt. Mr.. Spannhorst denied the truth of the
report that ne ever said that they would insist
upon the German language in spite of the bsh-
ops. He concluded by congratulating the Ger
man Catholics upon the growth of their socie-
ties, and advised that each benevolent society
have fund to be used for the relief of work
ingmen in distress.
After the appointment of committees Mr.
George Miech, of St. Paul, introduced resolu-
tiou of which the following is a translation:
Whereas, The so-caled knights of Labor come
forth from day day with their talk for the purpose
of helping the workngmen to their rights by unright
and lay and
and trying destroy fath therefore be it
Resolved. That we urge all Catholic working people
to keep away from said societies. for according
experience such company advisable for Catholic
working people; for where Prohbitonists Anarchists
of mankind, there should not be found q erman
Catholic workingman: In order to protect the good
name of German Catholic societies from all injury
all societies should be exhorted not to receive in their
midst any Knights of Labor, and such are already
in them should be induced to leave said order of the
Knights of Labor.
Mr.. Mielch spoke in support of this resolution.
He claimed that the knights OF Labor had
derEorazing influence upon the German work
ingmen. He failed to any difference be-
tween the Knights of Labor and 'sother socialist
and prohibitonist societies." He was sorry to
that many Germans We're at present mem-
bers of order the leaders of which had sd-
dressed petition to Congress against German
Immigration. while Mr.. Powderly had openly
shown himself to be a Prohbtionist and
of the Germans The entire order of
the Knights of Labor was governed by Irish
men. The Germans ought TO consider it dis
grace to be ruled by Irish ign oramuses. The
remarks were received with applause.
Friedrich Arendes, of St. Louis. moved to lay
the resolution on the table, but was voted
down. all but two or three delegates voting
against him. The resolution was referred to
the committee on labor matters.
DR.. Tappert submitted resolution reqriring
ali the societies in every city to meet every six
months for the purpose of discussing social
questions and other matters of Importance The
resolution referred.
Before recess thirty-two societies were
admitted to the union.
AT the opening of the afternoon session dis
patch was read in reply to sent last
week to the Catholic convention of Germany,
in session at TrIer. The reply was
signed by the chairman of the conven-
Iion and reminded the German-American Cath
olics that altoueh the ocean intervened. their
brethren were bound to them by one common
faith and colnradeship in the battle of the Lord.
Three hearty cheers were given for the Catholics
of Germany.
An interesting question of principle was
raised when report from a society of New Or
leans read. which was written in the En-
gsh language. Objection made to receiv-
ing 1t on that account, and DIR. Tappsrt again
came forward and moved that the secretary be
instructed to find out whether not the Ger
dunn by that society not, and, IL not. that
the secretary notify the society
that the Central Union receive soce-
ties but sAch as did employ the German
in a spirit and tone of brotheriy love. but it
must be insisted upon. the reverend gentleman
said, as IT was question of principle. and not
an inch should be yielded. He wanted to have
the committe on constitution.
AS fitting conclusion to the days proceed
1ngs. a cablegram was ordered sent to Pope Leo,
congratulatlng him upon his approaching jubilee
and asking his blessing.
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